> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mcp-for-blender.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sketchfab Integration: Download Realistic 3D Models

> Connect Blender MCP to Sketchfab to search and download realistic downloadable 3D models directly into your Blender scene using AI prompts.

Sketchfab hosts millions of 3D models, many available for download. Blender MCP's Sketchfab integration lets you search the catalog and import downloadable models directly into your scene. Only models marked as downloadable by their creator are accessible, so results are limited to assets the author has chosen to share.

## Setup

Before you can search Sketchfab, you need to provide an API key.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Get a free API key at [sketchfab.com](https://sketchfab.com).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    In Blender, press **N** in the 3D viewport and open the **BlenderMCP** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Tick **Use Sketchfab**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Paste your API key into the field.
  </Step>
</Steps>

To store the key permanently, go to **Edit → Preferences → Add-ons → Blender MCP** and enter it in the Sketchfab API Key field. Alternatively, set the environment variable `BLENDERMCP_SKETCHFAB_API_KEY` before starting Blender.

## Example Prompts

Once configured, ask your LLM to find and import Sketchfab models:

* "Find a realistic sports car on Sketchfab and import it"
* "Search for a medieval castle model on Sketchfab"

## Tools

Blender MCP exposes these Sketchfab tools to the LLM:

| Tool                             | Purpose                                                    |
| -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| `get_sketchfab_status()`         | Check if the API key is valid and the service is reachable |
| `search_sketchfab_models(query)` | Search the Sketchfab catalog by keywords                   |
| `download_sketchfab_model(uid)`  | Download and import a specific model into the scene        |

<Note>
  Only downloadable models are accessible. Not all Sketchfab models are downloadable, so some searches may return results that cannot be imported.
</Note>

## Best For

Sketchfab excels when you need specific realistic objects where exact fidelity matters. Use it for:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Characters" icon="user">
    Detailed human and creature models with complex topology.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Vehicles" icon="car">
    Realistic cars, aircraft, and watercraft with accurate proportions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Architecture" icon="building">
    Buildings, interior elements, and structural details.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Organic Forms" icon="leaf">
    Plants, animals, and natural shapes with high detail.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>